Givers and Takers

Among the many mysterious ojects in the universe one of the most intriguing are what are called "black holes". They start as massive stars 10 to 15 times the size of our own sun. At the end of their life, the star collapses in on itself leaving behind a small object with gravity so strong nothing can escape it, not even light. A black hole orbiting around a companion star would suck the gases and matter from that star into itself until nothing is left of the star. Anything and everything that gets near it is pulled inside.

Conception of a black hole pulling gas off of a nearby star. Credit: ESA/NASA

In contrast to a black hole, consider our own sun. This shining bright star gives light and life to everything on the earth. It maintains balance within the solar system. It radiates light, heat, and energy. Without the sun, the earth would be a cold, lifeless rock in space.

Sun Sky - Noel James Celfi Gallery Photos

While some people are like the sun, others are like black holes. I'll call them "givers" and "takers." Givers share what they have, radiate warmth, and give life to others around them. Takers not only receive, but they take anything and everything that they can.

The apostle Paul described "takers" in this way:
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

(New Testament, 2 Timothy 3:1 - 5)

As a black hole devours all matter and energy into itself, takers also take away the light of Christ, and replace it with selfishness and hatred. They are all about what they can get out of life.

This is in direct contrast to what we as Christians should be like. The Savior taught us this:
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

(New Testament, John 13:34 - 35)

Mosiah further explained it in the Book of Mormon:

"...humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith.... And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true. And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due. And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish."

(Book of Mormon, Mosiah 4:11 - 16)

My hope is that you will work towards becoming a brilliant shining giver, rather than a dark, all-consuming taker.